Bus users urged to prepare for changes and delays as more of Sydney’s CBD closes to traffic
Sydney bus users are again being asked to check for changes to their services as more CBD-bound routes become affected from Wednesday next week.
A further section of George Street between Market and Park streets will close to traffic, as construction ramps up on Sydney Light Rail from December 2 onwards.
New South Wales (NSW) minister for roads Duncan Gay says while drivers and bus customers adapted well to the changes introduced last month, there are bigger challenges ahead.
“We’re pleased with the way things have gone since the first George Street closure last month, but again we’re urging Sydneysiders to be prepared,” he says.
“This next closure between Market and Park streets is another big test, and again we urge everyone to re-time and re-route their journeys to, from and through the CBD.
“Our message is clear – leave your car at home and use public transport where possible.”
While bus users seemed to cope well with the last closure and changes to their services, next month will see more services affected.
“As George Street progressively closes we need general traffic to use the outer city routes so that there is capacity in the CBD for those that need to be there,” Sydney CBD coordinator general Marg Prendergast says.
“This will be a challenge for us, but with this challenge comes great opportunity for the future of Sydney.”
While the change will undoubtedly affect retailers as well as public transport users, Prendergast says the temporary inconvenience is worth it in the long run.
“For the first time in more than 65 years, CBD residents, workers and visitors will be able to enjoy a predominantly vehicle-free George Street from King to Market and Market to Park streets,” Prendergast says.
“This is a really exciting time for Sydney and it will be a glimpse of what the CBD will be like once the light rail is built.”
All cross-roads across George Street will remain open and any intersection work required will be restricted to nights or weekends.